U.S. patent application number 12/741936 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLA CLIMATE CONTROL CORP.. Invention is credited to Young-Ha Jeon, Hong-young Lim, Kwang Hun Oh.
Application Number | 20110100614 12/741936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40857509 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110100614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oh; Kwang Hun ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
One or more embodiments of the present invention relates to a
heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a pair of header-tanks
having at least one partition wall and at least one baffle; a
plurality of tubes; and a plurality of fins. A communication hole
is formed on the partition wall that is positioned at a region
disposed between the baffle and one end of the header-tank adjacent
to the baffle. Given that a distance from the baffle to the one end
of the header-tank is 100%, 1.about.4 communication holes are
formed at positions on the partition wall which corresponds to an
extent of 0.about.50%, 65.about.100%, or an extent of 0.about.50%
and an extent of 65.about.100%.
Inventors: |
Oh; Kwang Hun; (Daejeon,
KR) ; Lim; Hong-young; (Daejeon, KR) ; Jeon;
Young-Ha; (Daejeon, KR) |
Assignee: |
HALLA CLIMATE CONTROL CORP.
|
Family ID: |
40857509 |
Appl. No.: |
12/741936 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR08/06590 |
371 Date: |
May 7, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0204 20130101;
F28F 2250/04 20130101; F28D 1/05391 20130101; F28D 2021/0085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/173 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0114206 |
Nov 7, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0110358 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising: a pair of header-tanks which are
arranged in parallel to be spaced apart from each other, and each
of which forms an inner space as a refrigerant passage as both
longitudinal ends are closed and comprises at least one partition
wall that partitions the refrigerant passage along a width
direction and at least one baffle that partitions the refrigerant
passage along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes of
which both ends are fixedly inserted into the header-tank to form a
refrigerant passage; and a plurality of fins which are interposed
between the tubes, wherein a communication hole is formed on the
partition wall that is positioned at a region disposed between the
baffle and one end of the header-tank adjacent to the baffle, and
assuming that a distance from the baffle to the one end of the
header-tank is 100%, from one to four communication holes are
formed at positions on the partition wall which corresponds to an
extent of 0.about.50%.
2. A heat exchanger, comprising: a pair of header-tanks which are
arranged in parallel to be spaced apart from each other, and each
of which forms an inner space as a refrigerant passage as both
longitudinal ends are closed and comprises at least one partition
wall that partitions the refrigerant passage along a width
direction and at least one baffle that partitions the refrigerant
passage along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes of
which both ends are fixedly inserted into the header-tank to form a
refrigerant passage; and a plurality of fins which are interposed
between the tubes, wherein a communication hole is formed on the
partition wall that is positioned at a region disposed between the
baffle and one end of the header-tank adjacent to the baffle, and
assuming that a distance from the baffle to the one end of the
header-tank is 100%, from one to four communication holes are
formed at positions on the partition wall which corresponds to an
extent of 65.about.100%.
3. (canceled)
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the baffle is
formed at one of the pair of the header-tanks.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the header-tank
includes end caps that close the both ends of the header-tank.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the baffle is
disposed respectively inside a plurality of the refrigerant
passages formed to be partitioned by the partition wall, and
positioned in parallel with other baffle at the same position in
the respective refrigerant passages.
7. (canceled)
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that the ratio of the surface area
of the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.160%.
9.-17. (canceled)
18. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
communication holes are formed additionally at positions on the
partition wall which corresponds to an extent of 65.about.100% and
the number of the communication holes is from one to four.
19. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the baffle is
disposed respectively inside a plurality of the refrigerant
passages formed to be partitioned by the partition wall, and
positioned in parallel with other baffle at the same position in
the respective refrigerant passages.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that a ratio of a surface area of
the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.240%.
21. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that the ratio of the surface area
of the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.160%.
22. The heat exchanger according to claim 20, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that the ratio of the surface area
of the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.160%.
23. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that so that a cross-sectional area
of the partition wall having the communication hole is in an extent
of 7.about.20 mm.sup.2.
24. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that so that a cross-sectional area
of the partition wall having the communication hole is in an extent
of 7.about.20 mm.sup.2.
25. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein a thickness
of the partition wall is 2 mm, and a distance between the
communication holes is in an extent of 3.5.about.10 mm.
26. The heat exchanger according to claim 24, wherein a thickness
of the partition wall is 2 mm, and a distance between the
communication holes is in an extent of 3.5.about.10 mm.
27. The heat exchanger according to claim 25, wherein the baffle is
disposed inside the upper header-tank and the communication hole is
formed at an upper partition wall, and the refrigerant in the heat
exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle of a first
row of upper header-tank, passed through a tube, a first row of
lower header-tank, a tube, a rear space of the baffle of the first
row of upper header-tank, the communication hole, a rear space of
the baffle of the second row of upper header-tank, a tube, a second
row of lower header-tank, a tube, and then exhausted to an outside
through a front space of the baffle of the second row of upper
header-tank.
28. The heat exchanger according to claim 26, wherein the baffle is
disposed inside the upper header-tank, and the communication hole
is formed at an upper partition wall, and the refrigerant in the
heat exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle of a
first row of upper header-tank, passed through a tube, a first row
of lower header-tank, a tube, a rear space of the baffle of the
first row of upper header-tank, the communication hole, a rear
space of the baffle of the second row of upper header-tank, a tube,
a second row of lower header-tank, a tube, and then exhausted to an
outside through a front space of the baffle of the second row of
upper header-tank.
29. The heat exchanger according to claim 25, wherein the baffle is
disposed inside the lower header-tank, and the communication hole
is formed at a lower partition wall, and the refrigerant in the
heat exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle of a
first row of lower header-tank, passed through a tube, a first row
of upper header-tank, a tube, a rear space of the baffle of the
first row of lower header-tank in turn, the communication hole, a
rear space of the baffle of the second row of lower header-tank, a
tube, a second row of upper header-tank, a tube in turn, and then
exhausted to an outside through a front space of the baffle of the
second row of lower header-tank.
30. The heat exchanger according to claim 26, wherein the baffle is
disposed inside the lower header-tank, and the communication hole
is formed at a lower partition wall, and the refrigerant in the
heat exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle of a
first row of lower header-tank, passed through a tube, a first row
of upper header-tank, a tube, a rear space of the baffle of the
first row of lower header-tank in turn, the communication hole, a
rear space of the baffle of the second row of lower header-tank, a
tube, a second row of upper header-tank, a tube in turn, and then
exhausted to an outside through a front space of the baffle of the
second row of lower header-tank.
31. The heat exchanger according to claim 25, the baffle includes
upper and lower baffles, which are disposed inside the upper
header-tank and the lower header-tank, respectively, and the
communication hole is formed at a position on a lower partition
wall which is between an end of the lower header-tank which is
opposite to an inlet and outlet port of the refrigerant and the
lower baffle adjacent thereto, the refrigerant in the heat
exchanger is introduced into a front space of the upper baffle of a
first row of upper header-tank, passed through a tube, a front
space of the lower baffle of the first row of lower header-tank, a
tube, a rear space of the upper baffle of a first row of upper
header-tank, the communication hole, a rear space of the lower
baffle of the second row of lower header-tank, a tube, a rear space
of the upper baffle of the second row of upper header-tank, a tube,
a front space of the lower baffle of the second row of lower
header-tank, a tube in turn, and then exhausted to an outside
through a front space of the lower baffle of the second row of
lower header tank.
32. The heat exchanger according to claim 26, the baffle includes
upper and lower baffles, which are disposed inside the upper
header-tank and the lower header-tank, respectively, and the
communication hole is formed at a position on a lower partition
wall which is between an end of the lower header-tank which is
opposite to an inlet and outlet port of the refrigerant and the
lower baffle adjacent thereto, the refrigerant in the heat
exchanger is introduced into a front space of the upper baffle of a
first row of upper header-tank, passed through a tube, a front
space of the lower baffle of the first row of lower header-tank, a
tube, a rear space of the upper baffle of a first row of upper
header-tank, the communication hole, a rear space of the lower
baffle of the second row of lower header-tank, a tube, a rear space
of the upper baffle of the second row of upper header-tank, a tube,
a front space of the lower baffle of the second row of lower
header-tank, a tube in turn, and then exhausted to an outside
through a front space of the lower baffle of the second row of
lower header tank.
33. A heat exchanger, comprising: a pair of header-tanks which are
arranged in parallel to be spaced apart from each other, and each
of which forms an inner space as a refrigerant passage as both
longitudinal ends are closed and comprises at least one partition
wall that partitions the refrigerant passage along a width
direction and at least one baffle that partitions the refrigerant
passage along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes of
which both ends are fixedly inserted into the header-tank to form a
refrigerant passage; and a plurality of fins which are interposed
between the tubes, wherein a communication hole is formed on the
partition wall that is positioned at a region disposed between the
baffle and one end of the header-tank adjacent to the baffle, and
the communication hole is formed so that a ratio of a surface area
of the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.240%.
34. The heat exchanger according to claim 33, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that the ratio of the surface area
of the communication hole per a cross-sectional area of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.160%.
35. The heat exchanger according to claim 33, wherein the
communication hole is formed so that so that a cross-sectional area
of the partition wall having the communication hole is in an extent
of 7.about.20 mm.sup.2.
36. The heat exchanger according to claim 35, wherein a thickness
of the partition wall is 2 mm, and a distance between the
communication holes is in an extent of 3.5.about.10 mm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more
particularly, to a heat exchanger which can optimize a position and
size of a communicating hole for changing a flow path in the heat
exchanger.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the automobile industry, as general concerns about energy
and environment are increased globally, the efficiency in each part
including fuel efficiency has been steadily improved, and the
external appearance of a vehicle has been also diversified in order
to satisfy various demands of customers. According to such a
tendency, research and development on lighter weight, smaller size
and multi-function of each vehicle component has been carried out.
Particularly, in an air-conditioning unit for a vehicle, since it
is generally difficult to secure an enough space in an engine room,
there have been many efforts to manufacture a heat exchange system
having a small size and high efficiency.
[0003] Meanwhile, the heat exchange system generally includes an
evaporator for absorbing heat from a peripheral portion, a
compressor for compressing refrigerant, a condenser for radiating
heat to a peripheral portion, and an expansion valve for expanding
the refrigerant. In an air-conditioning system, the gaseous
refrigerant introduced from the evaporator to the compressor is
compressed at a high pressure and high temperature, and the
compressed gaseous refrigerant radiates liquefaction heat to a
peripheral portion while passing through the condenser so as to be
liquefied, and the liquefied refrigerant is passed through the
expansion valve so as to be in a low pressure low temperature wet
vapor state and then introduced again into the evaporator so as to
be vaporized, and thus the air conditioning substantially occurs in
the evaporator that absorbs vaporization heat from a peripheral
portion while the wet vapor refrigerant is vaporized. As described
above, the condenser and evaporator in the air-conditioning system
typically fall into the category of the heat exchanger.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a general heat exchanger. As
shown in the drawing, the heat exchanger 100 includes a pair of
header-tanks 10, a plurality of tubes 20 and a plurality of fins
30. The header-tank 10 includes a plurality of tube insertion holes
13 that are formed at a lower surface or an upper surface thereof
to be extended in a width direction thereof and arranged in a
longitudinal direction thereof, an end cap 14 that closes both
longitudinal ends thereof, at least one partition wall 11 that
partitions an inner space as a refrigerant passage in the
longitudinal direction and at least one baffle 12 that partitions
the refrigerant passage in the width direction. Further, both ends
of the tube 20 are fixedly inserted into the tube insertion hole 13
of the header-tank 10 to form a refrigerant passage, and the fin 30
is interposed between the tubes 20 to enhance heat exchange
performance.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows a flow of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger
as described above, wherein FIG. 2A is a schematic view of the heat
exchanger to shown the refrigerant flow indicated by an arrow, and
FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing the refrigerant flow in a
status that each row of the hear tanks 10 arranged in two rows is
separated from each other and the tubes are omitted. As shown in
the drawing, in a first row 10b1 of lower header-tank and a second
row 10b2 of lower header-tank, the refrigerant passage is
partitioned by the baffle 12. First, the refrigerant introduced
into a front space of the baffle 12 is flowed into a first row 10a1
of upper header-tank through the tube 20. Because the refrigerant
is introduced through only one side of the first row 10a1 of upper
header-tank, the refrigerant introduced into the first row 10a1 of
upper header-tank is flow to the other side, i.e., an empty space
in a direction indicated by an arrow, and then introduced into a
rear space of the baffle 12 in the first row 10b1 of lower
header-tank through the tube 20.
[0006] The first row 10b1 of lower header-tank and the second row
10b2 of lower header-tank are communicated with each other through
a communication hole 15' formed at the rear space of the baffle 12,
and thus the refrigerant introduced into the first row 10b1 of
lower header-tank is flowed through the communication hole 15' to
the rear space of the baffle 12 in the second row 10b2 of lower
header-tank. Then, the refrigerant is exhausted to an outside
through the rear space of the baffle 12 in the second row 10b2 of
lower header-tank, a second row 10a2 of upper header-tank and the
front space of the baffle 12 in the second row 10b2 of lower
header-tank.
[0007] However, in the heat exchanger having the refrigerant flow
as described above, there has been many problems in designing the
communication hole. There has been disclosed Japanese Patent
Publication No. 2002-071283 (hereinafter, called "conventional
invention") relevant to the design of the communication hole. FIG.
3 shows a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a heat
exchanger according to the conventional invention. As shown in the
drawing, in the conventional invention, one communication hole is
formed at one tube. However, if one communication hole is formed at
one tube, a structure of the heat exchanger is complicated due to
many holes, and manufacturing cost is increased. Also, since there
is a high possibility of generating a dead zone due to
non-uniformity of the refrigerant flow, a temperature distribution
is non-uniform and thus the heat exchange performance is
deteriorated. Further, there is an inconvenience in that the
communication hole should be redesigned according to the standard
of the fin. Furthermore, since the communication hole is formed at
every tube, durability is considerably reduced.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a heat exchanger which can optimize a position and size of a
communicating hole for changing a flow of refrigerant.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat
exchanger which can simplify a structure of the communication hole
so as to reduce designing and manufacturing cost and also make a
temperature distribution uniform, thereby improving heat exchange
performance.
Technical Solution
[0010] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides
a heat exchanger 100, comprising a pair of header-tanks 10 which
are arranged in parallel to be spaced apart from each other, and
each of which forms an inner space as a refrigerant passage as both
longitudinal ends are closed and comprises at least one partition
wall 11 that partitions the refrigerant passage along a width
direction and at least one baffle 12 that partitions the
refrigerant passage along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of
tubes 20 of which both ends are fixedly inserted into the
header-tank 10 to form a refrigerant passage; and a plurality of
fins 30 which are interposed between the tubes 20, wherein a
communication hole 15 is formed on the partition wall 11 that is
positioned at a region disposed between the baffle 12 and one end
of the header-tank 10 adjacent to the baffle 12, and assuming that
a distance from the baffle 12 to the one end of the header-tank 10
is 100%, from one to four communication holes 15 are formed at
positions on the partition wall 11 which corresponds to an extent
of 0.about.50%.
[0011] Further, the present invention provides a heat exchanger,
comprising a pair of header-tanks 10 which are arranged in parallel
to be spaced apart from each other, and each of which forms an
inner space as a refrigerant passage as both longitudinal ends are
closed and comprises at least one partition wall 11 that partitions
the refrigerant passage along a width direction and at least one
baffle 12 that partitions the refrigerant passage along a
longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes 20 of which both ends
are fixedly inserted into the header-tank 10 to form a refrigerant
passage; and a plurality of fins 30 which are interposed between
the tubes 20, wherein a communication hole 15 is formed on the
partition wall 11 that is positioned at a region disposed between
the baffle 12 and one end of the header-tank 10 adjacent to the
baffle 12, and assuming that a distance from the baffle 12 to the
one end of the header-tank 10 is 100%, from one to four
communication holes 15 are formed at positions on the partition
wall 11 which corresponds to an extent of 65.about.100%.
[0012] Further, the present invention provides a heat exchanger,
comprising a pair of header-tanks 10 which are arranged in parallel
to be spaced apart from each other, and each of which forms an
inner space as a refrigerant passage as both longitudinal ends are
closed and comprises at least one partition wall 11 that partitions
the refrigerant passage along a width direction and at least one
baffle 12 that partitions the refrigerant passage along a
longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes 20 of which both ends
are fixedly inserted into the header-tank 10 to form a refrigerant
passage; and a plurality of fins 30 which are interposed between
the tubes 20, wherein a communication hole 15 is formed on the
partition wall 11 that is positioned at a region disposed between
the baffle 12 and one end of the header-tank 10 adjacent to the
baffle 12, and assuming that a distance from the baffle 12 to the
one end of the header-tank 10 is 100%, from one to four
communication holes 15 are formed at positions on the partition
wall 11 which corresponds to an extent of 0.about.50% and an extent
of 65.about.100%.
[0013] Preferably, the baffle 12 is formed at one of the pair of
the header-tanks 10.
[0014] Preferably, the head-tank 10 includes end caps 14 that close
the both ends of the header-tank 10.
[0015] Preferably, the baffle 12 is disposed respectively inside a
plurality of the refrigerant passages formed to be partitioned by
the partition wall 11, and positioned parallely with other baffle
12 at the same position in the respective refrigerant passages.
[0016] Preferably, the communication hole 15 is formed so that a
ratio of a surface area (S) of the communication hole per a
cross-sectional area (S.sub.T) of the header-tank is in an extent
of 70.about.240%, and more preferably, the communication hole 15 is
formed so that the ratio of the surface area (S) of the
communication hole per a cross-sectional area (S.sub.T) of the
header-tank is in an extent of 70.about.160%.
[0017] Preferably, the communication hole 15 is formed so that so
that a cross-sectional area (S.sub.t) of the partition wall 11
having the communication hole 15 is in an extent of 7.about.20
mm.sup.2, and a thickness of the partition wall 11 is 2 mm, and a
distance between the communication holes 15 is in an extent of
3.5.about.10 mm.
[0018] Preferably, the baffle 12a is disposed inside the upper
header-tank 10a1, 10a2, and the communication hole 15a is formed at
an upper partition wall 11a, and the refrigerant in the heat
exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle 12a of a
first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, passed through a tube 20, a
first row 10b1 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a rear space of the
baffle 12a of the first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, the
communication hole 15a, a rear space of the baffle 12a of the
second row 10a2 of upper header-tank, a tube 20, a second row 10b2
of lower header-tank, a tube 20, and then exhausted to an outside
through a front space of the baffle 12a of the second row 10a2 of
upper header-tank.
[0019] Alternatively, the baffle 12a is disposed inside the lower
header-tank 10b1, 10b2, and the communication hole 15b is formed at
a lower partition wall 11b, and the refrigerant in the heat
exchanger is introduced into a front space of the baffle 12b of a
first row 10b1 of lower header-tank, passed through a tube 20, a
first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, a tube 20, a rear space of the
baffle 12b of the first row 10b1 of lower header-tank in turn, the
communication hole 15b, a rear space of the baffle 12b of the
second row 10b2 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a second row 10a2
of upper header-tank, a tube 20 in turn, and then exhausted to an
outside through a front space of the baffle 12b of the second row
10b2 of lower header-tank.
[0020] Also, alternatively, the baffle 12a includes upper and lower
baffles 12c1, 12c2, which are disposed inside the upper header-tank
10a1, 10a2 and the lower header-tank 10b1, 10b2, respectively, and
the communication hole 15c is formed at a position on a lower
partition wall 11c which is between an end of the lower header-tank
which is opposite to an inlet and outlet port of the refrigerant
and the lower baffle 12c2 adjacent thereto, the refrigerant in the
heat exchanger is introduced into a front space of the upper baffle
12c1 of a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, passed through a
tube 20, a front space of the lower baffle 12c2 of the first row
10b1 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a rear space of the upper
baffle 12c1 of a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, the
communication hole 15c, a rear space of the lower baffle 12c2 of
the second row 10b2 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a rear space
of the upper baffle 12c1 of the second row 10a2 of upper
header-tank, a tube 20, a front space of the lower baffle 12c2 of
the second row 10a2 of lower header-tank, a tube 20 in turn, and
then exhausted to an outside through a front space of the lower
baffle 12c2 of the second row 10b2 of lower header tank.
[0021] Furthermore, the present invention provides a heat
exchanger, comprising a pair of header-tanks 10 which are arranged
in parallel to be spaced apart from each other, and each of which
forms an inner space as a refrigerant passage as both longitudinal
ends are closed and comprises at least one partition wall 11 that
partitions the refrigerant passage along a width direction and at
least one baffle 12 that partitions the refrigerant passage along a
longitudinal direction; a plurality of tubes 20 of which both ends
are fixedly inserted into the header-tank 10 to form a refrigerant
passage; and a plurality of fins 30 which are interposed between
the tubes 20, wherein a communication hole 15 is formed on the
partition wall 11 that is positioned at a region disposed between
the baffle 12 and one end of the header-tank 10 adjacent to the
baffle 12, and the communication hole 15 is formed so that a ratio
of a surface area (S) of the communication hole per a
cross-sectional area (S.sub.T) of the header-tank is in an extent
of 70.about.240%. Preferably, the communication hole 15 is formed
so that the ratio of the surface area (S) of the communication hole
per a cross-sectional area (S.sub.T) of the header-tank is in an
extent of 70.about.160%.
[0022] Preferably, the communication hole 15 is formed so that so
that a cross-sectional area (S.sub.t) of the partition wall 11
having the communication hole 15 is in an extent of 7.about.20
mm.sup.2, and a thickness of the partition wall 11 is 2 mm, and a
distance between the communication holes 15 is in an extent of
3.5.about.10 mm.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0023] According to the present invention, since the structure of
the communication hole is simplified, it is facile to design and
manufacture the heat exchanger, and thus it is possible to
remarkably reduce the designing and manufacturing cost. Further, in
the present invention, the refrigerant flow is improved by
restricting generation of a dead zone so that the refrigerant is
uniformly distributed and thus the temperature distribution also
becomes uniform, thereby remarkably increasing the heat exchange
performance of the heat exchanger.
[0024] Further, in the conventional invention, since the
communication hole was formed at every tube, the structure of the
communication hole was directly affected by the number of the
tubes. However, in the present invention, since the structure of
the communication hole is not affected by the number of the tubes,
although the structure of the tube and the fin is changed, it is
not necessary to change the structure of the communication hole, or
it is very simple to change the structure of the communication
hole, thereby facilely manufacturing a new product.
[0025] Furthermore, in the conventional invention, since many
communication holes was formed at the internal wall of the
header-tank and thus stress was concentrated on the internal wall
between the communication holes, it was easy to damage the internal
wall of the header-tank, thereby reducing the durability. However,
since the present invention can optimize the position and size of
the communicating hole, it is possible to smoothly flow the
refrigerant and also prevent the concentration of stress, thereby
considerably enhancing the durability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a general heat
exchanger.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a view showing a flow of refrigerant in the
general heat exchanger.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a view showing structure of a communication hole
in the general heat exchanger.
[0030] FIG. 4 are views showing structures of a communication hole
in a heat exchanger according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship among a position of
the communication hole, a pressure drop and a heat radiation
amount.
[0032] FIG. 6 a graph showing a relationship among the number of
the communication holes, the pressure drop and the heat radiation
amount.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relationship among a surface
area of communication hole per a cross-sectional area of
header-tank, a temperature distribution of heat exchanger outlet
air, and a heat radiation amount.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the temperature
distribution of a core in the heat exchanger.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a
cross-sectional area of a partition wall having the communication
hole and a fracture pressure.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a view visually showing the result of structural
analysis of a header-tank.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a reference view for defining a position of the
communication hole.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a reference view for defining an area of the
communication hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MAIN ELEMENTS
[0039] 10: header tank [0040] 10a1: first row of upper header-tank
[0041] 10a2: second row of upper header-tank [0042] 10b1: first row
of lower header-tank [0043] 10b2: second row of lower header-tank
[0044] 11: partition wall 12: baffle [0045] 13: tube insertion hole
14: end cap [0046] 15', 15: communication hole 20: tube [0047] 30:
fin
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0048] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will
be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a view showing structure of a communication hole
in a heat exchanger according to the present invention, wherein
FIG. 4A shows the structure of the communication hole according to
a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B shows the
structure of the communication hole according to a second
embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 4C shows the structure
of the communication hole according to a second embodiment of the
present invention. As described above, the heat exchanger
transforms a phase of the refrigerant (from liquid to gas in an
evaporator, from gas to liquid in a condenser) by heat exchange and
then exhausts the refrigerant. In order to efficiently perform the
heat exchange, it is preferable that a core, i.e., a part comprised
of a tube and a fin, has uniform temperature distribution. To this
end, it is necessary to improve a flow path of the refrigerant. The
above three embodiments of the present invention relates to an
improved flow path of the refrigerant, which will be fully
described below.
[0050] First, in the first embodiment of FIG. 4A, the refrigerant
is introduced into a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank and then
discharged to a second row 10a2 of upper header-tank, a baffle 12a
is disposed inside each upper header-tank 10a1, 10a2, and a
communication hole 15a is formed at an upper partition wall 11a
provided inside the upper header-tanks. The refrigerant introduced
into a front space of the baffle 12a of the first row 10a1 of upper
header-tank is flowed through the front space of the baffle 12a of
the first row 10a1 of upper header-tank, a tube 20, a first row
10b1 of lower header-tank, a tube 20 and a rear space of the baffle
12a of the first row 10a1 of upper header-tank in turn, and then
introduced through the communication hole 15a into a rear space of
the baffle 12a of the second row 10a2 of upper header-tank. The
refrigerant flowing through the communication hole 15a is exhausted
to an outside through the rear space of the baffle 12a of the
second row 10a2 of upper header-tank, a tube 20, a second row 10b2
of lower header-tank, a tube 20 and a front space of the baffle 12a
of the second row 10a2 of upper header-tank.
[0051] In the second embodiment of FIG. 4B, the refrigerant is
introduced into a first row 10b1 of lower header-tank and then
discharged to a second row 10b2 of lower header-tank, a baffle 12b
is disposed inside each lower header-tank 10b1, 10b2, and a
communication hole 15b is formed at a lower partition wall 11b
provided inside the lower header-tanks. The refrigerant introduced
into a front space of the baffle 12b of the first row 10b1 of lower
header-tank, and flowed through the front space of the baffle 12b
of the first row 10b1 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a first row
10a1 of upper header-tank, a tube 20 and a rear space of the baffle
12b of the first row 10b1 of lower header-tank in turn, and then
introduced through the communication hole 15b into a rear space of
the baffle 12b of the second row 10b2 of lower header-tank. The
refrigerant flowing through the communication hole 15b is exhausted
to an outside through the rear space of the baffle 12b of the
second row 10b2 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a second row 10a2
of upper header-tank, a tube 20 and a front space of the baffle 12b
of the second row 10b2 of lower header-tank.
[0052] In the third embodiment of FIG. 4C, the refrigerant is
introduced into a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank and then
discharged to a second row 10a2 of upper header-tank, upper and
lower baffles 12c1, 12c2, are disposed inside the upper header-tank
10a1, 10a2 and the lower header-tank 10b1, 10b2, respectively, and
the communication hole 15c is formed at a position on a lower
partition wall 11c which is between an end of the lower header-tank
which is opposite to an inlet and outlet port of the refrigerant
and the lower baffle 12c2 adjacent thereto. The refrigerant is
introduced into a front space of the upper baffle 12c1 of a first
row 10a1 of upper header-tank, and flowed through the front space
of the upper baffle 12c1 of a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank,
a tube 20, a front space of the lower baffle 12c2 of the first row
10b1 of lower header-tank, a tube 20, a rear space of the upper
baffle 12c1 of a first row 10a1 of upper header-tank in turn, and
then introduced through the communication hole 15c into a rear
space of the lower baffle 12c2 of the second row 10b2 of lower
header-tank. The refrigerant flowing through the communication hole
15c is exhausted to an outside through a rear space of the upper
baffle 12c1 of the second row 10a2 of upper header-tank, a tube 20,
a front space of the lower baffle 12c2 of the second row 10a2 of
lower header-tank, a tube 20 and then a front space of the lower
baffle 12c2 of the second row 10b2 of lower header tank.
[0053] The first, second and third embodiments has the same
structure, except positions of inlet and outlet ports of the
refrigerant, a position of the baffle and a position of the
partition wall having the communication hole. Therefore, the
partition wall is indicated by a reference numeral 11, the baffle
is indicated by a reference numeral 12 and the communication hole
is indicated by a reference numeral 15 in the first, second and
third embodiments, commonly.
[0054] In the conventional invention, one communication hole 15'
was formed at every tube. However, in the present invention, a
single or at least one communication hole 15 is formed at a part of
the partition wall 11 so as to have a larger size than a tube pitch
(a distance between tubes). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the
manufacturing cost due to simple structure of the communication
hole 15 and also to flexibly provide the communication hole 15 even
when a size of the core, i.e., standards of the tube and the fin is
changed. Further, it is possible to optimize the position, the size
and the number of the communication holes 15, thereby enhancing the
temperature distribution characteristic and the heat radiation
amount comparing with the existing heat exchanger having the
conventional communication hole 15'. The optimizing process of
optimizing the position, the size and the number of the
communication holes 15 according to the present invention will be
described below. Experimental results described below are obtained
using an evaporator as a heat exchanger. Thus, when the heat
exchanger of the present invention is used as an evaporator, it is
possible to obtain the best effect.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship among a position of
the communication hole, a pressure drop and a heat radiation
amount, wherein a width axis is a position of the communication
hole formed at the partition wall 11 that is disposed at the rear
space of the baffle 12 of the lower header-tank, and as defined as
shown in FIG. 11, 0% in the width axis is a position of the baffle
12 and 100% is a position of an end cap 14 for closing an end of
the header-tank. As shown in the drawing, in case that the position
of the communication hole 15 is between 0.about.50%, the heat
radiation amount is not reduced, and thus it is preferable that the
position of the communication hole 15 is between 0.about.50%. In
addition, if it is intended that the communication hole be
positioned at the side of the end cap, it is preferable that the
position of the communication hole 15 is between 65.about.100%.
[0056] However, in case that only a single communication hole 15 is
provided, the size of the communication hole 15 is so large and
thus the durability is lowered, and in case that multiple
communication holes 15 are provided, it is difficult to design and
manufacture and thus the improved advantages are lost comparing
with the conventional inventions. Therefore, it is required to
properly provide the number of the communication holes.
[0057] FIG. 6 a graph showing a relationship among the number of
the communication holes, the pressure drop and the heat radiation
amount, wherein A.sub.1, A.sub.2 and A.sub.3 indicate a size of
each communication hole, and each size is
A.sub.1>A.sub.2>A.sub.3. As described above, the present
invention is to facilely design and manufacture the heat exchanger
by simplifying the communication hole 15 and also to increase the
heat exchange performance. In the graph of FIG. 6, if the number of
the communication holes is 4 or more, the heat radiation amount is
sharply reduced, and thus it is preferable that the number of the
communication holes is 4 or less. Further, one or more
communication holes 15 may be provided considering the durability
of the partition wall 11, and thus it is preferable that the number
of the communication holes is from one to four.
[0058] Furthermore, FIG. 6 also shows performance characteristic
according to change in a size of the communication hole 15. As
shown in the drawing, a pressure drop of the refrigerant is
increased, as a size of communication hole 15 is reduced.
Therefore, the size of the communication hole 15 should be set.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relationship among a surface
area of communication hole per a cross-sectional area of
header-tank, a temperature distribution of heat exchanger outlet
air, and a heat radiation amount and FIG. 8 is a graph showing an
example of the temperature distribution of a core in the heat
exchanger. The surface area of the communication hole is
correspondent to a portion of S in FIG. 4, and the cross-sectional
area of the header-tank is correspondent to a portion of S.sub.T in
FIG. 4. More specifically, the surface area of the communication
hole is defined, as shown in FIG. 12, by sum .SIGMA.S.sub.i of the
surface areas (S.sub.1, S.sub.2, . . . , S.sub.i in FIG. 12) of
each communication hole when at least one communication hole is
formed. As shown in FIG. 7, as a ratio of the surface area of the
communication hole per the cross-sectional area of the header-tank
is increased, the temperature distribution of heat exchanger outlet
air is gradually increased. Particularly, a temperature of the heat
exchanger outlet air is rapidly increased from a point that the
ratio of the surface area of the communication hole per the
cross-sectional area of the header-tank is 150%, and the
temperature distribution (more than 4.degree. C.) of the core is
deteriorated. Further, the heat radiation amount has a maximum
value when the ratio of the surface area of the communication hole
per the cross-sectional area of the header-tank is 70.about.240%.
Therefore, the size of the communication is preferably set to be
70.about.240% of the cross-sectional area of the header-tank 10.
More preferably, the ratio of the surface area of the communication
hole per the cross-sectional area of the header-tank is
70.about.160% in which the temperature distribution of the heat
exchanger outlet air is uniform.
[0060] In order to avoid the problem that the durability of the
partition wall 11 is lowered as the number of the communication
holes 15 is reduced and the size thereof is increased, as described
above, a thickness of the partition wall 11 having the
communication hole 15 should be set properly.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a
cross-sectional area of the partition wall having the communication
hole and a fracture pressure and FIG. 10 is a view visually showing
the result of structural analysis of a header-tank. The
cross-sectional area of the partition wall 11 having the
communication hole 15 is correspondent to a portion of S.sub.t in
FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 9, a magnitude of an endurable fracture
pressure is increased, as the cross-sectional area of the partition
wall 11 having the communication hole 15 is creased. At this time,
in order to secure minimum durability of the heat exchanger, it
should endure a fracture pressure of 20 kg/cm.sup.2, and thus the
cross-sectional area of the partition wall 11 having the
communication hole 15 should be at least 7 mm.sup.2 or more.
Meanwhile, in order to increase the durability, it is better to
provide a lager cross-sectional area (S.sub.t in FIG. 10) at the
partition wall 11 having the communication hole 15. However, since
the size (S in FIG. 4) of the communication hole 15 is reduced as
the cross-sectional area of the partition wall 11 having the
communication hole 15 is increased, it is difficult to simplify the
communication hole 15, the pressure drop of the refrigerant is
increased, and thus it shows poor characteristic in the economic
aspect. Therefore, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area
of the communication hole 15 is 20 mm.sup.2 or less. If the
thickness of the partition wall 11 having the communication hole 15
is 2 mm, it is preferable that a distance between the communication
holes 15 is in an extent of 3.5.about.10 mm corresponding to the
minimum cross-sectional area.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, in the processes of optimizing
the position, the number, the size and the distance of the
communication hole, assuming that a distance from the baffle 12 to
the end cap 14 is 100%, preferably, the communication hole 15 is
positioned on the partition wall 11 of the rear space of the baffle
12 of the header-tank in an extent of 0.about.50% or 65.about.100%,
the number of the communication holes 15 is from one to four, the
size of the communication hole 15 is determined so that the ratio
of the surface area (S) of the communication hole/the
cross-sectional area (S.sub.T) of the header-tank is 70.about.160%,
and the communication holes 15 are spaced apart from each other so
that the cross-sectional area (S.sub.t) of the partition wall 11
having the communication hole 15 is in an extent of 7.about.20
mm.sup.2. By the structure of the communication hole 15 as
described above, it is possible to maximize the heat exchange
performance and also increase the durability. Furthermore, since
the structure of the communication hole 15 is simplified, it is
facile to design and manufacture the heat exchanger and also to
change its structure.
[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conceptions and specific embodiments disclosed in the foregoing
description may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or
designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of
the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also
appreciate that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0064] According to the present invention, since the structure of
the communication hole is simplified, it is facile to design and
manufacture the heat exchanger, and thus it is possible to
remarkably reduce the designing and manufacturing cost. Further, in
the present invention, the refrigerant flow is improved by
restricting generation of a dead zone so that the refrigerant is
uniformly distributed and thus the temperature distribution also
becomes uniform, thereby remarkably increasing the heat exchange
performance of the heat exchanger.
[0065] Further, in the conventional invention, since the
communication hole was formed at every tube, the structure of the
communication hole was directly affected by the number of the
tubes. However, in the present invention, since the structure of
the communication hole is not affected by the number of the tubes,
although the structure of the tube and the fin is changed, it is
not necessary to change the structure of the communication hole, or
it is very simple to change the structure of the communication
hole, thereby facilely manufacturing a new product.
[0066] Furthermore, in the conventional invention, since many
communication holes was formed at the internal wall of the
header-tank and thus stress was concentrated on the internal wall
between the communication holes, it was easy to damage the internal
wall of the header-tank, thereby reducing the durability. However,
since the present invention can optimize the position and size of
the communicating hole, it is possible to smoothly flow the
refrigerant and also prevent the concentration of stress, thereby
considerably enhancing the durability.
* * * * *